A colorless/clear fluid has been slowly dripping from the underside of my car near the exhaust pipes and differential.

(Please see attached pictures)

I first noticed it about a month ago and I have been keeping an eye on it since. The leak appears to be very slow and only occurs after the car has been running for awhile.

Before anyone says that it is water condensing on the hot exhaust pipes, I know that it is not water because it stains the ground and does not evaporate nor disappear after a heavy rain. The spots on the ground as seen in the picture are up to 3-4 weeks old.

I have been checking my fluids regularly and have not noticed anything usual and I doubt I could even see the change due to the fact that the leak is so slow and intermittent.

Any suggestions what is the culprit/ solutions?

Thanks in advance.

 

Looks like the rear is leaking. Is it possible it is coming out of the vent for the rear?

 

It looks to me that your pinion seal is leaking and its flinging it onto the tank and exhaust.. But ,, it also looks like maybe its break fluid from a line or fitting above the differential.

Brake fluid would fit the bill. Get under and inspect your break lines above the rear diff, and have some one pump them hard over and over to see if you can see any leaks up there.

 

Well after closer inspection, it is definitely the pinion seal causing the issue.

I would love to do the work myself but unfortunately I am away from home for work and do not have the tools around.

Any idea on how much it would cost to have it replaced? I searched around a bit and most people say 1 hour labor + $15-25 for the seal is a fair price.

How important is it to replace the crushed sleeve and pinion nut? I have read that most places do not replace those but instead reuse.


Thanks

 

All those parts are cheap. Just let the mechanic replace what he thinks is needed.

 

Def gear fluid, the rank smell alone usually gives it away.

 

True. The smell of gear oil makes me wanna blow chunks

 

lol That's odd, I am rather fond of that smell...

 

You're the first I've ever heard who likes the smell, but no matter what, one thing is certain. Everyone who gets a good whiff of it certainly has an opinion about it!

The one smell I really like is the Harbor Freight smell. I dont want to buy anything but I'll walk for hours on end around there.

 

I can understand liking the smell. Most people hate the smell of gas, burning rubber, exhaust etc. But we've learned to associate it with fun things.

Seconded on the pinion seal leak. Normal to have some weepage but not enough to drip anywhere.